Most road vehicles utilise an internal combustion engine which produces a series of small explosions within a confined chamber which, in turn, forces the physical movement of components to create drive. For combustion to occur, oxygen is required which is drawn into the system and then exported through your exhaust. If the movement of air is quickened, the engine is then able to produce more power: this is the basic concept of a turbo.
The turbo itself is made of two turbine connected by one shaft. One turbine works with gases exiting from the engine through the exhaust while the other is involved with the air entering through the intake system. The gases exiting the engine spin one turbine at speeds of up to 250,000 rpm and temperatures of up to 900 degrees. These gases continue through and out of the vehicle through the exhaust.
The turbines are connected by a shaft and so the movement of the exhaust turbine caused the other to move. The other turbine is connected to the air intake system and increases the speed at which air is fed to the engine. This increase in the flow of air improves engine efficiency and power.
In most cases, the turbo itself does not fail on its own but because of another problem with the vehicle. The problems that can impact the turbo are known as the turbo 'killers' and can be categorised into 4 main areas:
- Oil Starvation: These parts work at such high speeds and temperatures that the continued lubrication of the part is absolutely vital. If the part becomes starved of oil then this will have a huge impact on the part. Oil starvation would suggest blocked or split pipes.
- Oil Contamination: Similarly, where a lack of oil can lead to the failure of a turbo, contaminated oil can also cause a problem. An unchanged oil filter or dirty oil will cause the turbo to wear at an increased rate.
- Foreign Object Damage: If there are splits within the air intake system, then foreign objects could make their way through to the turbine. Even a very small impact could cause considerable damage to the turbine.
- Poor Driving: There is the possibility that driving style could impact on the turbine. Through hard accelerating or the long idling of an engine, there could be considerable additional stress placed on a part already working hard and this could begin to cause undue wear and tear.
Although turbo failure can be unavoidable, it is advised that you have your vehicle serviced annually and the oil and filter changed to ensure that the oil does not become contaminated and the engine has enough lubricating oil to function.